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The method for prolonging life lies solely in self-protection of the body. Maintaining warmth in winter and coolness in summer, without deviating from the seasonal order, is precisely how one protects the body. Therefore, the ancients said: Those who understand health preservation adjust their sleeping and rising times according to the early or late rhythms of the four seasons; their daily activities follow a constant system of supreme harmony; they regulate sinews and bones through specific postures of reclining and stretching; they manage labor and rest with the key principles of giving and withholding; keeping temperature moderate and avoiding dwelling places that expose them to the "Eight Evils" (pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, summer-heat, dampness, dryness, fire, and yin-yang imbalance), the body will naturally remain secure.

Master Zhen Xishan's song on regulating the spring month says: It is said that avoiding wind should be like avoiding arrows; spring winds are often harsh and require prevention. Moreover, when yang qi rises and pores open, if wind enters even slightly, it can lead to paralysis. The summer song says: Among the four seasons, summer is the most difficult to regulate; yang spirit is outside while yin is inside. With heart qi flourishing and kidney qi declining, how should one defend? One must specifically avoid indulgence that leaks essence and qi. The autumn song says: When autumn arrives, malaria and dysentery are common; rinsing, washing, and bathing should use warm water; melons, eggplants, raw vegetables, and cold foods should not be consumed; sleeping on cold mats or pillows is undesirable. The winter song says: Hidden yang resides within during the three winter months; one must strictly avoid excessive sweating which leaks yang qi; do not travel far in foggy and yin weather; when there is frozen snow and severe frost, rest early. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter complete a year; with slight knowledge of regulation and care, no errors will occur. Being peaceful and free from disease is true blessing; do not rely on your body being in its prime. Carefully studying these five songs, although the language is simple, the methods are comprehensive. Those who wish to protect their bodies should write them on their sashes and recite them repeatedly.

*Shengxi Xiaoxi Lun* (Treatise on Health Preservation Messages) states: In spring, yang qi begins to rise, and all things start to sprout. If a person has chronic diseases, the spring qi attacks and stirs them up. Furthermore, since last winter, having gathered heat by sitting near stoves and wearing scented clothes, this accumulation releases in spring, causing body heat, dizziness, fatigue in the four limbs, and weakness in the waist and legs. These are all diseases accumulated in winter and must be regulated.

Regulation Methods:
Do not consume too much sour flavor; reduce sourness to nourish Spleen Qi. (In spring, Liver Wood is at its peak. Sour flavor belongs to Wood, while Spleen belongs to Earth. Excessive sour may strengthen Wood to over-control Earth, causing Spleen pathology.)
It is beneficial to frequently eat fresh leeks. Do not consume them after spring passes, as they may cause mental cloudiness.
Drink Tusu Wine (Tusu Liquor) on New Year's Day to prevent illnesses throughout the year. Recipe: *Dahuang* (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), *Chuanjiao* (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, 1.5 qian), *Guixin* (Cinnamomi Cortex, 1.8 qian), *Wutou* (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, processed, 6 fen), *Baizhu* (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 1.8 qian), *Zhuyu* (Corni Fructus, 1.1 qian), *Jiegeng* (Platycodonis Radix, 1.5 qian), *Fangfeng* (Saposhnikoviae Radix, 1 liang).
On New Year's Day at Yin hour (3–5 AM), decoct and drink the wine. Administration should proceed from the youngest to the oldest.
When temperatures fluctuate between cold and warm, do not abruptly remove cotton clothing; reduce layers gradually. If feeling slightly cold, do not endure it forcibly; immediately add clothing back.
At night in spring, before sleeping, occasionally wash from below the knees to the feet using hot water with a pinch of salt added. This helps expel Wind pathogen and Hongjiujiao (Hongjiaojiao, referring to foot-related ailments such as beriberi or gout).
On the third day of the third lunar month, Shangsi Festival (Double Third Festival), it is appropriate to banquet by the water and perform Xiuxi rituals (purification rites) to dispel misfortune.